"I had a very good experience at MINI of Baltimore County. Greg Banker took a lot of time with us to point out the features of the car. He really listened to what we were looking for and focused on providing the best set of options for our needs. When we spoke to him about comparing different models, he was thorough and logical rather than trying to get us to make an emotional purchase. This was the best car buying experience I've had and I would definitely recommend Greg and MINI of Baltimore County. " - 4/13/11
For 2011, MINI will add another model to its lineup; the 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman. The first Countryman models are expected to reach select U.S. dealerships in February 2011. The 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman adds passenger space and utility to the MINI lineup without sacrificing much of the racy, responsive driving character that defines the other MINI Coopers. MINI calls this latest model a crossover, though it's different from other compact crossover SUVs. Like other MINI models, the Countryman will be offered in two basic trim levels, and with the same engines. And those engines will be upgraded across the line for 2011. Improvements to MINI's 1.6-liter four-cylinder include new accessories that draw less power from the engine to improve fuel economy, and Valvtronic variable valve timing. In addition to being the biggest and most rugged member of the Mini family, the Countryman promises to be the most tech-laden. Adaptive headlights are optional, and Mini is promising full integration for iPhones and other smartphones that find their way into your Countryman. Undoubtedly the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman will be more useful and practical than any Mini to date.
Powering the 2011 Countryman
The Countryman will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional, with steering-wheel paddles for manual shifting. MINI's new ALL4 all-wheel-drive system will be available only on the Countryman S. The 1.6-liter inline-4 in the base Countryman will deliver 122 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. The Countryman S gets a turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter, generating 181 hp and a maximum 192 lb-ft of torque. MINI claims the Countryman S will go from 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 133 mph. It expects EPA mileage ratings to top 34 mpg highway for both models. In normal driving, ALL4 sends all of the engine's power to the front wheels, so the Countryman behaves like a front-wheel drive car. But in certain conditions, ALL4 will send as much as 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels, helping to maximize traction and balance the Countryman's handling characteristics.
MINI Cooper Countryman Design
The Countryman's grille is more upright than that on other MINI models. Its headlight clusters are big and oblong, rather than classic MINI round, with two pipes for main beams and a ring of LED elements that serve as daytime running lights. There are ducts in the corners under the Countryman's front bumper that direct airflow to cool the front brakes. The Countryman is the largest MINI to date, and the first with four side doors and optional all-wheel drive. It has real space for four adults and substantially more cargo volume than other MINIs. Yet the Countryman retains the look and fuel economy that have established MINI as a premium brand among small cars. In side view, the Countryman features what MINI designers call a helmet roof. It's less flat and more domed than that on other MINI models. The Countryman will be offered with wheels ranging from 16 to 19 inches in diameter. Its rear hatch is bigger than that on other MINIs, and it opens higher. In total, the Countryman is unique in the MINI line, but it absolutely will not be mistaken for any other brand. With a bumper-to-bumper length of 161.8 inches and a height of 61.5 inches, it's 17 inches longer and 6 inches taller than a standard MINI Cooper. It's 6 inches longer than a Clubman. Still, the Countryman is substantially smaller than other so-called compact crossovers: It's a foot shorter than a Ford Escape and 10 inches shorter than a Honda Element.
Inside the 2011 Countryman
Customization options include exterior graphics and paint combinations and special interior colors, upholstery and trim. Inside, the Countryman's gauges and switches will look familiar to current MINI owners. The biggest interior difference sits in the Countryman's rear seat. Each side slides fore and aft by up to 5.1 inches, allowing the Countryman's operator to maximize either rear-passenger or cargo space. With the seats moved back to maximum depth, there's plenty of head and leg room for rear passengers six feet tall, and still 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded, the Countryman's cargo volume increases to 41.3 cubic feet, and that space is assessable through both the rear side doors and the hatch. Yet with larger door openings, the Countryman is easier to climb into, and its front seat bottoms are nearly three inches higher than those in other MINI models. That makes for a more confident view forward. All Countryman models come standard with MINI's Centre Rail storage and fastening system. Centre Rail is two aluminum rails running lengthwise through the middle of the interior in place of a conventional center console. Various devices, such as cupholders, storage boxes, trays or armrests can be mounted and locked anywhere along the rails to the driver or passengers preference. Options will include audio upgrades, a navigation system, a large panoramic sunroof and adaptive xenon headlights. If you just have to put more stuff on the Countryman's roof, be advised that Mini will offer a factory roof rack. On the matter of roof color, you'll have the usual Mini options of black, white or body color.
Conclusions
The first copies are due to hit MINI dealerships in February 2011. By late spring, the Countryman will augment the MINI Cooper and the slightly longer Clubman. While the Countryman rides slightly higher than other MINI models do, one shouldn't think of it as a vehicle suited for off-pavement travel. And the optional Sport Package, with suspension tuned to optimize handling, will bring both ride height and ground clearance back down to that of a standard MINI Cooper. Of course, the whole point of driving around in a high-riding Mini is to have some extra capability in the snow. All-wheel drive is optional on the 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman only, as the base Countryman can't spare any of its meager torque to the rear wheels. Mini calls its all-wheel-drive system ALL4, which doesn't stand for anything, but merely indicates a clutch-pack coupling built onto the final-drive unit. An electrically driven hydraulic pump governs the pressure that reaches the coupling. In dry conditions, you can expect most of the engine's torque to go to the Countryman's front wheels most of the time. Interested in this upcoming MINI model? Stay up-to-date on all the latest news on this vehicle by visiting the official Mini Cooper Countryman website.
